John Deere announces layoffs in Wisconsin

The John Deere plant in Horicon, Wis.,
plans to lay off 240 workers for five months beginning in July, marking the
first time the company is implementing a voluntary manufacturing leave, said
Chuck Evans, human resources manager.

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During the layoffs, employees will
receive about 65 percent of their normal pay, which is the rate for employees on
medical disability. That compensation will come instead of claiming
unemployment.

"This would allow the more junior
employees who cannot afford to take a layoff to remain employed through out the
summer while the older employees who are nearing retirement can enjoy taking the
summer and hunting season off," Evans said.

The company plans to call employees back
to work in December, in time for the spring promotional season, Evans said.

Last year, 315 employees were laid off
because of a seasonal slowdown and the sluggish economy, and 46 of those
employees have not yet been called back, Evans, said.

The Horicon plant makes riding lawn
equipment for John Deere's own product line.